Trilogy rosehip oil is 100%, natural concentrate of pure rose hips, extracted from the seeds of contained in the intensely red, berry-like fruits or hips, of the wild rosebush. It is extracted using a solvent free, certified organic method that preserves the unique qualities of the oil.

The rosehip oil contains natural antioxidants and preservatives, and a high 80% content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (aka omega 3 and omega 6), one of the oils main active ingredients. It also contains natural antioxidants – beta carotene and lycopene – a precursor or vitamin A. The oil is proven to delay the effects of skin ageing by assisting cell regeneration and assisting collagen and elastin production to create smoother, firmer skin. 

The other benefits of using rosehip oil are:
• Nourishes and moisturies dry or very dry skin for softer, smoother skin
• Assists with normal skin renewel and repair
• Helps skin elasticity and resilience
• Restores a healthy, glowing complexion
• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves the appearance of fine lines, skin tone, pigmentation and other signs of premature ageing
• Aids the repair of sun damaged skin
• Assists the body in minimizing scarring
• Assists in the healing of acne scarring
• Assists in the reduction of stretch marks

Trilogy products are available at Myer, selected health food stores and pharmacies, for stockists visits www.trilogyproducts.com, $18.95

As we try to get everyone to become more ‘green’ aware, eco-friendly reusable tote bags are becoming a popular cotton bag to take out. Cotton and tote bags are great to take to the grocery store but they can be a good (and plastic free) way to hold your cosmetic products. Many of the environmentally friendly bags come with a green earth message and the Tarte cosmetics “be good to your mother (earth) bag is a popular choice.

The Tarte cosmetics company wants to reward you for trying to keep the earth clean, and when you purchase this eco-friendly tote they will give you three lip sheers. These lip sheers also smear the environmental message, the reduce, reuse, recycle method implemented in materials and packaging.

The containers the lip sheers come in is post-consumer recycled aluminium and the lip sheers are made from natural beeswax, mango butter, peppermint oil, coconut oil and vitamin E. All of these things will help to keep your lips in a (natural) top condition.

The all natural lip sheers also have SPF15 sun protection so you can feel confident to step out on those sunny days. You can get other skin care products and cosmetics from Tarte from their website. But this is the environmentally friendly option.

Lead is the most common problem with lipsticks around the globe and is a neurotoxin that if exposed highly to can cause brain damage, cancer, miscarriage, and infertility.

There have been opposing views on the amounts of lead in lipsticks, some claiming it is only tiny amounts.

Lead in Lipstick Might Not Be So Bad:

According to a member of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and fragrance association John Bailey the levels of lead in lipstick appear to be quite low. He told the ABC news that he believes the trace levels of lead found are actually quite low and does not present a concern.

But there are those on the other hand that say even tiny amounts of exposeure to lead can be a large health concern.

Lead in Lipstick Might Be Really Bad:

According to a member from the Safe Cosmetics campaign Mark Mitchell it is the lead build up over time that is the problem. If you apply lead containing lipstick on a daily basis, you can be exposed to dangerously high levels in the end.

“The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure”.

Yet many cosmetic brands are still producing a range of lead lipsticks. But there are a range of lead-free brands that are trying to make cosmetic use safer for ourselves and the environment. The last thing we need is poison on our lips.

Parabens-
These synthetic chemicals are used as antimicrobial preservatives and are usually found in toiletries like deodorants, baby wipes and moisturiser. Research has found that widespread use of these chemicals could be partly to blame for men’s infertility over the last 60 years. Typical parabens include methylparaben ( E218) ethylparaben (E214) propylparaben (E216) and butylparaben.

Phthalates-
Used to increase flexibility, this substance are widely used plasticisers and are used to make PVC but are also found in some perfumes and nail polishes. This chemical can also been known to disrupt hormones and in some cases has effected the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and even blood. To avoid the phthalate chemical try and purchase products that are phthalate free.

Triclosan-
This antibacterial agent stays on surfaces after cleaning and is used in toiletries such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and acne treatments. However, when mixed with chlorinated water, this chemical can produce chloroform gas making a deadly combination.

Toulene-
This solvent is derived from crude oil and can be found in nail polish and lacquers. It can also be found in paint thinners, silicone and disinfectants. Low to medium levels of toluene can cause confusion, tiredness, weakness and memory loss. But high levels of the chemical can make people feel constantly lightheaded, dizzy and in extreme cases can cause death.

Xylene-
This chemical has been linked to skin problems and is a solvent (also known as xylol) that is found in nail polishes and lacquers. High levels of this chemical can cause severe headaches, lack of muscle co-ordination, dizziness and confusion. It can also cause skin irritation, eye, nose and throat irritation and even stomach trouble.

Acetone-
This is a common solvent used in nail polish and some perfumes. It is a toxic chemical that, if ingested can harm the lungs. Acetone doesn’t build up in waterways or in soil or animals but it can pose a significant risk to our aquatic systems, by limiting the oxygen supply.

A fifth of the world’s diamonds come from riverbeds that are being destroyed on a daily basis. The mining for precious stones and metal like diamonds, causes thousands of acres and habitat to be destroyed, not to mention the creation of huge amounts of waste.

One gold ring requires about five tonnes of water and also generates about 20 tonnes of rocks and debris and some will even require the use of toxic chemicals. The gold mining industry is estimated to be responsible for tonnes of mercury entering the ground on a yearly basis.

Cyanide, another commonly used toxin is also released upon extraction and can pollute our water sources. This toxin is used in the processing of gold ore and arsenic and is something that occurs naturally among gold and silver bearing minerals. Too much of this toxin can harm our waterways.

As wearing jewellery has been entrenched in our culture and has become the norm, no one can expect buyers not to consume the good. It will happen on a daily basis but as a consumer you can do something about the adornments you buy.

When purchasing diamonds, ensure you look for jewelers who are ecologically and socially responsible. There are some jewelers who make an effort to minimize the damage caused on the environment and are committed to treating workers fairly.